Christine C. Quinn

Spring 2015

Christine C. Quinn, an accomplished leader with more than 20 years of experience in public service, is widely recognized as one of the most effective elected officials in New York history. Chris has received extensive praise for her unmatched leadership and management skills from leading editorial boards, civic organizations and good government groups alike, and has spent her career in public service developing and implementing policies and services that are critical to the lives of New Yorkers. She has focused her work on improving the City and has successfully developed lasting solutions with measurable results to some of the most pressing urban issues and problems.

Chris has successfully developed innovative and fiscally responsible ways to spark job creation, protect and grow affordable housing, increase early childhood education programs and improve middle schools throughout the City. She also has expanded access to nutritious food in an effort to combat the growing problems of hunger and obesity. Chris is a nationally established leader against hate crimes and bullying.

From 1999 to 2013, Chris served as the City Council Member for the lower West Side of Manhattan. In 2006, she was elected Speaker, making her the highest-ranking woman and highest-ranking openly gay elected official in New York City history. Chris has been featured on numerous lists of recognition including Crain’s Most Powerful Women and has won numerous awards for her service.

As Speaker of the New York City Council from 2006 through 2013, Chris efficiently and effectively managed a legislative body of 51 elected officials and an internal staff of nearly 300 with an operational annual budget of over $50 million. She elevated the governing agency, transforming the institution previously described as unruly and ineffective into one that produced measurable results. During her tenure, Chris spearheaded reforms to the City Council, making it more transparent, tightening lobbying restrictions and passing one of the toughest campaign finance laws in the country.

After her tenure as New York City Council Speaker, Chris went on to spearhead the creation of the Women’s Equality Party, the first women’s party in modern American history. Chris traveled throughout the state organizing petition gathering, rallying supporters, and endorsing candidates for state elected office. As a result of her efforts, the Women’s Equality ballot line received the 50,000 votes needed to be established as an official statewide party for the next four years.

As a community organizer, an anti-violence advocate and an elected official, Chris has proven her ability to transform organizations and drastically improve the delivery of services.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and Education from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut.